Multiplexing apparatus in a transceiver system

ABSTRACT

A system for transceiving radio frequency signals is provided. The system includes a multiplexing apparatus at a base of a tower and communicatively coupled to a cable, and a low noise amplifier at the base of the tower. The multiplexing apparatus includes a transmitter path, a portion of a receiver path, and a transceiver path portion. The low noise amplifier is operable to amplify signals in a first spectral region and is communicatively coupled to the multiplexing apparatus. The multiplexing apparatus is configured to pass signals in the first spectral region between the cable and a first-band base transceiver station via the low noise amplifier. The multiplexing apparatus is further configured to pass signals in a second spectral region between the cable and at least one second-band base transceiver station.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/943,724, filed on Nov. 21, 2007, and entitled “MULTIPLEXING APPARATUSIN A TRANSCEIVER SYSTEM,” which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

BACKGROUND

It is desirable for telecom carriers to minimize the number of radiofrequency cables used to communicatively couple base stations to theantennae located atop a cell tower. The radio frequency cables, whichtypically extend from the bottom to the top of the cell tower, areexpensive, costly to install, and increase wind-loading on a tower. Asthe number of radio frequency cables in a cell tower increases, the costof installing and maintaining cell tower increases.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a prior art embodiment of a multiplexer 29.As shown in FIG. 2, the current technology to reduce the number of radiofrequency cables to one cable 155 used to communicatively couple basestations 28(1-N) to the antennae (not shown) located atop a cell tower(not shown) comprises band pass filters 111(1-N).

SUMMARY

The present application relates to a system for transceiving radiofrequency signals. The system includes a multiplexing apparatus at abase of a tower and communicatively coupled to a cable, and a low noiseamplifier at the base of the tower. The multiplexing apparatus includesa transmitter path, a portion of a receiver path, and a transceiver pathportion. The low noise amplifier is operable to amplify signals in afirst spectral region and is communicatively coupled to the multiplexingapparatus. The multiplexing apparatus is configured to pass signals inthe first spectral region between the cable and a first-band basetransceiver station via the low noise amplifier. The multiplexingapparatus is further configured to pass signals in a second spectralregion between the cable and at least one second-band base transceiverstation.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a multiplexing apparatusin accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a prior art embodiment of a multiplexer.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment of spectral regions inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a multiplexing apparatusin a system for transceiving radio frequency signals in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a diplexing apparatus inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a diplexing apparatus ina radio frequency system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method of receivingsignals in a plurality of radio frequency spectral regions in amultiplexing apparatus from a cable.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method of receivingsignals in a plurality of radio frequency spectral regions in amultiplexing apparatus and transmitting the signals from themultiplexing apparatus to antennae for transmission.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method of receivingsignals in two radio frequency spectral regions in a diplexing apparatusand transmitting the signals from the diplexing apparatus to antennaefor transmission

In accordance with common practice, the various described features arenot drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize features relevant to thepresent invention. Reference characters denote like elements throughoutfigures and text.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of illustration specific illustrative embodiments in which theinvention may be practiced. These embodiments are described insufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice theinvention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may beutilized and that logical, mechanical and electrical changes may be madewithout departing from the scope of the present invention. The followingdetailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a multiplexing apparatus20 in accordance with the present invention. The multiplexing apparatus20 includes at least one band pass filter 112(1-(N−1)), a receiverfilter 122, and a transmitter filter 126. The multiplexing apparatus 20is communicatively coupled with a plurality of base transceiver stations30(1-N). A radio frequency cable 155 (also referred to herein as cable155) is communicatively coupled to the multiplexing apparatus 20.Specifically, the receiver filter 122 (also referred to herein as “firstreceiver filter 122”), the transmitter filter 126, and each band passfilter 112-i are communicatively coupled to the cable 155. The radiofrequency cable 155 carries radio frequency signals representedgenerally by the arrow 200 from antennae (not shown in FIG. 1) to themultiplexing apparatus 20. The radio frequency cable 155 carries radiofrequency signals represented generally by the arrow 230 to the antennaefrom the multiplexing apparatus 20.

The first receiver filter 122 is communicatively coupled to a low noiseamplifier 120. The low noise amplifier 120 is operably positionedbetween the first receiver filter 122 and a second receiver filter 124.The second receiver filter 124 is communicatively coupled to afirst-band base transceiver station 30-1. As defined herein, afirst-band base transceiver station transceives signals in a firstspectral band or region.

The multiplexing apparatus 20 combines signals in a plurality ofspectral regions, such as a first spectral region and a second spectralregion. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment of spectral regions300 in accordance with the present invention. The spectral regions 300include first spectral region 310 (also referred to herein as a “firstspectral band 310”) and second spectral region 312 (also referred toherein as a “second spectral band 312”). The second spectral region 312includes portions such as first portion 312A, second portion 312B, andthird portion 312C of second spectral region 312.

The first receiver filter 122, the low noise amplifier 120, and thesecond receiver filter 124 comprise a receiver path 140 between thecable 155 and the first-band base transceiver station 30-1. The firstreceiver filter 122, which is the portion of the receiver path 140located in the multiplexing apparatus 20, passes signals in a firstspectral region 310 from the cable 155 to the first-band basetransceiver station 30-1 via the low noise amplifier 120 and the secondreceiver filter 124. The low noise amplifier 120 amplifies signals inthe first spectral region 310.

The transmitter filter 126 passes signals in the first spectral region310 from the first-band base transceiver station 30-1 to the cable 155.The transmitter filter 126 comprises a transmitter path 145 in themultiplexing apparatus 20 from the first-band base transceiver station30-1 to the cable 155.

Each band pass filter 112(1-(N−1)) is communicatively coupled betweenthe cable 155 and a respective one of the second-band base transceiverstations 30(2-N). As defined herein, a second-band base transceiverstation transceives signals in the second spectral region 312. As shownin FIG. 1, (N−1) band pass filters 112(1-(N−1)) are communicativelycoupled between the cable 155 and a plurality of second-band basetransceiver stations 30(2-N). Each band pass filter 112-i is atransceiver path 150-i. Each band pass filter 112-i is a narrowbandfilter that filters and bi-directionally passes signals in respectiveportions (such as, portions 312A, 312B, and 312C) of the second spectralregion 312 between the cable 155 and the respective second-band basetransceiver station 30(2-N).

Thus, the multiplexing apparatus 20 includes the transmitter path 145, aportion of a receiver path 140, and at least one transceiver path 150-i.In this manner, the multiplexing apparatus 20 passes signals in thefirst spectral region 310 between the cable 155 and the first-band basetransceiver station 30-1 via the low noise amplifier 120 and passessignals in the second spectral region 312 between the cable 155 and atleast one second-band base transceiver station 30-2. In oneimplementation of this embodiment, at least one band pass filter 112-iis an inline cavity filter. In another implementation of thisembodiment, each band pass filter 112-i is an inline cavity filter.

The links connecting the band pass filters 112(1-(N−1)), the firstreceiver filter 122 and the transmitter filter 126 to the cable 155include one or more trace line, wires, solder, or connectors. Likewise,the links connecting the first receiver filter 122, the low noiseamplifier 120, and the second receiver filter 124 include one or moretrace line, wires, solder, or connectors. In one implementation of thisembodiment, the transmitter filter 126, the first receiver filter 122,and the band pass filters 112(1-(N−1)) are integrated on a commoncircuit board. In another implementation of this embodiment, thetransmitter filter 126, the first receiver filter 122, the band passfilters 112(1-(N−1)), the low noise amplifier 120, and the secondreceiver filter 124 are integrated on a common circuit board. As shownin FIG. 1, the multiplexing apparatus 20 is located within a housing 19with the low noise amplifier 120 and the second receiver filter 124.

In one implementation of this embodiment, the low noise amplifier 120 isa ground mounted amplifier. In another implementation of thisembodiment, the low noise amplifier 120 is in parallel to a switch 128.In the event that the low noise amplifier 120 fails, the switch 128 isclosed and the signals are transmitted from the first receiver filter122 to the second receiver filter 124 via the switch 128.

In one implementation of this embodiment, the first and second spectralregions 310 and 312 are in the radio frequency band as shown in FIG. 3.In another implementation of this embodiment, the first spectral region310 is centered about the 1900 MHz frequency band. In anotherimplementation of this embodiment, the first portion 312A of the secondspectral region 312 is centered about the 800 MHz frequency band. In yetanother implementation of this embodiment, the second portion 312B andthird portion 312C of the second spectral region 312 are centered aboutthe 1700 MHz and 2100 MHz frequency bands, respectively. This latterembodiment can be used in an Advance Wireless Services (AWS) system inwhich the signals are transmitted from the base transceiver station 30-iin the 2100 MHz spectral region 312B and signals are received at thesame base transceiver station 30-i in the 1700 MHz spectral region 312C.In yet another implementation of this embodiment, the second spectralregion 312 only includes the first portion 312A of the spectral region312. In yet another implementation of this embodiment, the secondspectral region 312 includes the second portion 312B and the thirdportion 312C of the spectral region 312.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a multiplexing apparatus20 in a system 10 for transceiving radio frequency signals in accordancewith the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the radio frequencycable 155 communicatively couples the multiplexing apparatus 20 to amultiplexer 70. The multiplexer 70 is communicatively coupled to a firstantenna 160-1 and at least two other antennae 160(2-N). The firstantenna 160-1 receives and transmits signals in the first spectralregion 310 and the at least two other antennae 160(2-N) receive andtransmit signals in respective portions 312A, 312B, and/or 312C of thesecond spectral region 312 (FIG. 3). In the system 10, the multiplexingapparatus 20 is configured as shown in FIG. 1 to include at least twoband pass filters 112(1-N).

Specifically, system 10 includes the multiplexing apparatus 20, which iscommunicatively coupled to the radio frequency cable 155, at least twobase transceiver stations 30(1-2), and a low noise amplifier 120. In oneimplementation of this embodiment, system 10 includes multiplexingapparatus 20, the second receiver filter 124, and low noise amplifier120. In another implementation of this embodiment, system 10 includesmultiplexing apparatus 20, the second receiver filter 124, low noiseamplifier 120, the cable 155, a multiplexer 70, and at least twoantennae 160(1-2). In yet another implementation of this embodiment,system 10 includes multiplexing apparatus 20, the second receiver filter124, low noise amplifier 120, the cable 155, a multiplexer 70, at leasttwo antennae 160(1-2), and at least two base transceiver stations30(1-2). Each base transceiver station 30-i includes a respectivetransmitter 32-i and a respective receiver 34-i. In yet anotherimplementation of this embodiment, the transmitter 32-i and receiver34-i in a base transceiver station 30-i form a transceiver.

The radio frequency signals (also referred to herein as “signals”) arerepresented generally by numerically labeled arrows. The radio frequencysignals 190(1-N) are sent from the antennae 160(1-N) to the multiplexer70. The multiplexer 70 combines the radio frequency signals 190(1-N)into a combined signal 200, which is sent to the multiplexing apparatus20 via the cable 155. The combined signal 200 is received at themultiplexing apparatus 20 and is split into a plurality of signalswithin different frequency bands, which are each sent to a respectiveone of the base transceiver stations 30(1-N). For example, signal 210-1is sent to the first-band base transceiver station 30-1, signal 210-2 issent to the second-band base transceiver station 30-2, and signal 210-Nis sent to another second-band base transceiver station 30-N.

The multiplexing apparatus 20 also receives radio frequency signals fromthe base transceiver stations 30(1-N). For example, signal 220-1 is sentto the multiplexing apparatus 20 from the first-band base transceiverstation 30-1, signal 220-2 is sent to the multiplexing apparatus 20 fromthe second-band base transceiver station 30-2, and signal 220-N is sentto the multiplexing apparatus 20 from the other second-band basetransceiver station 30-N. The signals 220(1-N) are combined in themultiplexing apparatus 20 and sent to the multiplexer 70 as combinedsignal 230 via radio frequency cable 155. The multiplexer 70 splits thecombined signal 230 into signals 240(1-N), which are sent to therespective antennae 160(1-N).

The base transceiver stations 30(1-N) each transceive a differentportion of the spectral region 300. If there are N base transceiverstations, then (N−1) base transceiver stations are second-band basetransceiver stations. In this case, each of the second-band basetransceiver stations (such as 30(2-N)), transceives signals in differentportions (such as, 312A, 312B, and 312C) of the second spectral region312. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the first-band base transceiverstation 30-1 transceives within the first spectral region 310 at about1900 MHz, the second-band base transceiver station 30-2 transceiveswithin a first portion 312A of the second spectral region 312 at about800 MHz, while the third base transceiver station 30-3 transmits withina second portion 312B of the second spectral region 312 and receiveswithin a third portion 312C of the second spectral region 312.

The first antenna 160-1 receives and transmits signals in the firstspectral region 310. As shown in FIG. 4, at least two other antennae160(2-N) are configured to receive and transmit signals in a respectiveportions 312A, 312B, and/or 312C of the second spectral region 312.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, there are at least three base transceiverstations and at least two second-band base transceiver stations. Whenonly one second-band base transceiver station, such as 30-2, iscommunicatively coupled to the multiplexing apparatus, the multiplexingapparatus is referred to as a diplexing apparatus. FIG. 5 is a blockdiagram of one embodiment of a diplexing apparatus 200 in accordancewith the present invention. The diplexing apparatus 200 includes asingle band pass filter 112-1, the transmitter filter 126, and thereceiver filter 122. In this embodiment, the transmitter path 145 andthe receiver path 140 are similar in structure and function to thetransmitter path 145 and the receiver path 140 described above withreference to FIGS. 1 and 4. In this embodiment there is only onetransceiver path 150 and only one second-band base transceiver station30-2.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a diplexing apparatus 200in a radio frequency system 11 in accordance with the present invention.As shown in FIG. 6, the radio frequency cable 155 is communicativelycoupled the diplexing apparatus 200 to a diplexer 71 and the diplexer 71is communicatively coupled to a first antenna 160-1 and a second antenna160-2. The first antenna 160-1 receives and transmits signals in thefirst spectral region 310 and the second antenna 160-2 receives andtransmits signals in a portion 312A, 312B, and/or 312C of the secondspectral region 312 (FIG. 3). In the system 11, the diplexing apparatus200 is configured as shown in FIG. 5 to include only one band passfilter 112-1.

Specifically, system 11 includes the diplexing apparatus 200, which iscommunicatively coupled to the radio frequency cable 155, a first-bandbase transceiver station 31-1, a second-band base transceiver station30-2, and a low noise amplifier 120. In one implementation of thisembodiment, system 11 includes the diplexing apparatus 200, the secondreceiver filter 124, and the low noise amplifier 120. In anotherimplementation of this embodiment, system 11 includes the diplexingapparatus 200, the second receiver filter 124, the low noise amplifier120, the cable 155, the diplexer 71, and two antennae 160(1-2). In yetanother implementation of this embodiment, system 11 includes thediplexing apparatus 200, the second receiver filter 124, the low noiseamplifier 120, the cable 155, the diplexer 71, two antennae 160(1-2),and base transceiver stations 30(1-2). The two base transceiver stations30(1-2) have the function and structure described above with referenceto FIG. 4. The two antennae 160(1-2) also have the function andstructure described above with reference to FIG. 4.

The radio frequency signals 190(1-2) are sent from the antennae160(1-2), respectively, to the diplexer 71. The diplexer 71 combines theradio frequency signals 190(1-2) into a combined signal 201, which issent to the diplexing apparatus 200 via the cable 155. The combinedsignal 201 is received at the diplexing apparatus 200 and is split intotwo signals within two frequency bands. Signal 210-1 is sent to thefirst-band base transceiver station 30-1 and signal 210-2 is sent to thesecond-band base transceiver station 30-2.

The diplexing apparatus 200 also receives radio frequency signals fromthe base transceiver stations 30(1-2). For example, signal 220-1 is sentto the diplexing apparatus 200 from the first-band base transceiverstation 30-1 and signal 220-2 is sent to the diplexing apparatus 200from the second-band base transceiver station 30-2. The signals 220(1-2)are combined in the diplexing apparatus 200 and sent to the diplexer 71as combined signal 231 via radio frequency cable 155. The diplexer 71splits the combined signal 231 into signals 240(1-2) which are sent tothe respective antennae 160(1-2).

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 700 of receivingsignals in a plurality of radio frequency spectral regions, such as 310,312A, and 312C, in a multiplexing apparatus 20 from a cable 155. Method700 is described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3-6 although method 700is applicable to other embodiments of the multiplexing apparatus.

At block 702, the combined signal 200 is received via a radio frequencycable 155 at the multiplexing apparatus 20. In one such implementation,the combined signal 200 includes signals in the first spectral region310 and portions 312A, and 312C of the second spectral region. Inanother such implementation, the combined signal 201 includes signals infirst spectral region 310 and portion 312A of the second spectral regionand is received via a radio frequency cable 155 at the diplexingapparatus 200. In yet another implementation, the combined signal 201includes signals in first spectral region 310 and portion 312C of thesecond spectral region and is received via a radio frequency cable 155at the diplexing apparatus 200.

At block 704, the combined signal is split into a signal in a firstspectral region and at least one signal in a second spectral region inthe multiplexing apparatus. In one implementation of this embodiment,each signal in the second spectral region 312 is in 312A or 312C of thesecond spectral region 312. In another implementation of thisembodiment, the combined signal 200 is split into a signal in a firstspectral region 310 and at least two signals in a second spectral regionat the multiplexing apparatus 20. In yet another implementation of thisembodiment, the combined signal 201 is split into one signal in a firstspectral region 310 and one signal in a second spectral region 312 inthe diplexing apparatus 200.

At block 706, the signal in a first spectral region is sent from themultiplexing apparatus to a first receiver in a first-band basetransceiver station via a receiver filter in the multiplexing apparatusand a low-noise amplifier. In one implementation of this embodiment, thesignal in the first spectral region 310 is sent to a first receiver 34-1in a first-band base transceiver station 30-1 via receiver filter 124 inthe multiplexing apparatus 20 and the low noise amplifier 120.

At block 708, the at least one signal in a respective at least oneportion of the second spectral region is sent from the multiplexingapparatus to at least one receiver in at least one respectivesecond-band base transceiver station via a respective band pass filterin the multiplexing apparatus. In one implementation of this embodiment,the signal in each portion 312A, and 312C of the second spectral region312 is sent to an associated receiver 34-i in an associated second-bandbase transceiver station 30-i via an associated band pass filter 112-i.In another implementation of this embodiment, the signal in one of theportion 312A of the second spectral region 312 is sent to a receiver34-2 in the second-band base transceiver station 30-2 via the band passfilter 112-2.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 800 of receivingsignals in a plurality of radio frequency spectral regions, such as 310and 312 in a multiplexing apparatus 20 and transmitting the signals fromthe multiplexing apparatus 20 to antennae 160(1-N) for transmission.Method 800 is described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3-4 althoughmethod 800 is applicable to other embodiments of the multiplexingapparatus. Methods 700 and 800 together describe a method oftransceiving signals in a plurality of radio frequency spectral regions310 and 312 in a multiplexing apparatus 200.

At block 802, a radio frequency signal 220-1 in the first spectralregion 310 is received from a transmitter 32-1 in the first-band basetransceiver station 30-1 at the multiplexing apparatus 20. At block 804,at least two signals 220(2-N) in the respective at least two portions312A and 312B of the second spectral region 312 are received from the atleast two respective transmitters 32(2-N) in the at least two secondtransceiver base stations 30(2-N) at the multiplexing apparatus 20. Atblock 806, the received signal 220-1 in the first spectral region 310 iscombined with the received at least two signals 220(2-N) in therespective at least two portions 312A and 312B of the second spectralregion 312 at the multiplexing apparatus 20.

At block 808, the combined signal 230 is sent from the multiplexingapparatus 20 via the radio frequency cable 155. At block 810, amultiplexer 70 receives the combined signal 230 from the multiplexingapparatus 20 via the radio frequency cable 155. At block 812, themultiplexer 70 splits the combined signal 230 into the plurality ofsignals 240(1-N).

At block 814, the signal 240-1 in the first spectral region 310 is sentfrom the multiplexer 70 to a first antenna 160-1. At block 816, the atleast two signals 240(2-N) in the at least two portions 312A and 312B ofthe second spectral region 312 are sent from the multiplexer 70 to atleast two other antennae 160(2-N).

At block 818, the signal in the first spectral region 310 is transmittedfrom the first antenna 160-1 responsive to receiving the signal 240-1 inthe first spectral region 310 from the multiplexer 70. At block 820, theat least two signals are transmitted in the respective at least twoportions 312A and 312B of the second spectral region 312 from therespective at least two other antennae 160(2-N) responsive to receivingthe signals 240(2-N) in the portions 312A and 312B of the secondspectral region 312 from the multiplexer 70.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 900 of receivingsignals in two radio frequency spectral regions, such as 310 and 312 ina diplexing apparatus 200 and transmitting the signals from thediplexing apparatus 200 to antennae 160(1-N) for transmission. Method900 differs from method 800 in that signals in only one portion of thesecond spectral region are transceived. In this implementation, themultiplexing apparatus is a diplexing apparatus. Method 900 is describedwith reference to FIGS. 3 and 5-6 although method 900 is applicable toother embodiments of the diplexing apparatus. Methods 700 and 900together describe a method of transceiving signals in a plurality ofradio frequency spectral regions 310 and 312 in a diplexing apparatus2000.

At block 902, a radio frequency signal 220-1 in the first spectralregion 310 is received from a transmitter 32-1 in the first-band basetransceiver station 30-1 at the diplexing apparatus 200. At block 904,signal 220-2 in the second spectral region 312 is received from thetransmitter 32-2 in the second transceiver base station 30-2 at thediplexing apparatus 200. The signals 220-2 are all within one portion ofthe spectral region 312. At block 906, the received signal 220-1 in thefirst spectral region 310 is combined with the received signal 220-2 inthe second spectral region 312 at the diplexing apparatus 200.

At block 908, the combined signal 230 is sent from the diplexingapparatus 200 via the radio frequency cable 155. At block 910, adiplexer 71 receives the combined signal 230 from the diplexingapparatus 200 via the radio frequency cable 155. At block 912, thediplexer 71 splits the combined signal 230 into two signals 240(1-2).

At block 914, the signal 240-1 in the first spectral region 310 is sentfrom the diplexer 71 to a first antenna 160-1. At block 916, the signal240-2 in the second spectral region 312 is sent from the diplexer 71 tothe other antenna 160-2.

At block 918, the signal in the first spectral region 310 is transmittedfrom the first antenna 160-1 responsive to receiving the signal 240-1 inthe first spectral region 310 from the diplexer 71. At block 920, thesignal in the second spectral region 312 is transmitted from the otherantenna 160-2 responsive to receiving the signal 240-2 in the secondspectral region 312 from the diplexer 71.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artthat any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose,may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This applicationis intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the presentinvention. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention belimited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

1. A system for transceiving radio frequency signals, the systemcomprising: a multiplexing apparatus at a base of a tower andcommunicatively coupled to a cable, the multiplexing apparatus includinga transmitter path, a portion of a receiver path, and a transceiver pathportion; and a low noise amplifier at the base of the tower, the lownoise amplifier operable to amplify signals in a first spectral region,the low noise amplifier communicatively coupled to the multiplexingapparatus, wherein the multiplexing apparatus is configured to passsignals in the first spectral region between the cable and a first-bandbase transceiver station via the low noise amplifier, and wherein themultiplexing apparatus is further configured to pass signals in a secondspectral region between the cable and at least one second-band basetransceiver station.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the multiplexingapparatus includes: a band pass filter portion including at least oneband pass filter communicatively coupled between the cable and the atleast one second-band base transceiver station; a first receiver filtercommunicatively coupled between the cable and the low noise amplifier;and a transmitter filter communicatively coupled between the cable andthe first-band base transceiver station, wherein the system furthercomprises a second receiver filter, wherein the transmitter filter isconfigured to pass signals in the first spectral region from thefirst-band base transceiver station to the cable, wherein the firstreceiver filter is configured to pass signals in the first spectralregion from the cable to the first-band base transceiver station via thelow noise amplifier and the second receiver filter, wherein each filterin the band pass filter portion is configured to filter and pass signalsin respective portions of the second spectral region between the cableand a respective one of the at least one second-band base transceiverstation.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the transmitter path and thereceiver path are between the cable and the first-band base transceiverstation, wherein the transmitter path comprises the transmitter filteroperably positioned between the cable and the first-band basetransceiver station, and wherein the receiver path comprises the firstreceiver filter, the low noise amplifier, and the second receiverfilter.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the low noise amplifier iscommunicatively coupled between the first and second receiver filters.5. The system of claim 2, wherein at least one band pass filter in theband pass filter portion is an inline cavity filter.
 6. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the multiplexing apparatus is a diplexing apparatus,wherein the transceiver path portion comprises a single transceiverpath, wherein the transceiver path comprises a band pass filterpositioned between the cable and a respective second-band basetransceiver station, the transceiver path operable to transmit andreceive signals in the second spectral region.
 7. The system of claim 6,further comprising: the cable; a diplexer communicatively coupled to thecable; a first antenna configured to receive and transmit signals in thefirst spectral region; and a second antenna, wherein the second antennais configured to receive and transmit signals in the second spectralregion, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna arecommunicatively coupled to the cable via the diplexer.
 8. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the transceiver path portion comprises at least twotransceiver paths for transmitting and receiving signals in respectiveat least two portions of the second spectral region, wherein each of theat least two transceiver paths comprises a respective band pass filterin the band pass filter portion positioned between the cable and arespective one of the at least one second-band base transceiver station,each second-band base transceiver station configured to transceivesignals in a respective portion of the second spectral region.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8, further comprising: the cable; a multiplexercommunicatively coupled to the cable; a first antenna configured toreceive and transmit signals in the first spectral region; and at leasttwo other antennae, wherein each of the other antennae is configured toreceive and transmit signals in a respective portion of the secondspectral region, wherein the first antenna and the at least two otherantennae are communicatively coupled to the cable via the multiplexer.10. The system of claim 1, wherein the low noise amplifier is a groundmounted amplifier.
 11. A method of transceiving signals in amultiplexing apparatus, the method comprising: receiving a combinedsignal comprising signals in two spectral regions via a radio frequencycable at the multiplexing apparatus at a base of a tower; splitting thecombined signal into a first-spectral-region signal in a first spectralregion and at least one second-spectral-region signal in a secondspectral region in the multiplexing apparatus; sending thefirst-spectral-region signal from the multiplexing apparatus to a firstreceiver in a first-band base transceiver station via a receiver filterin the multiplexing apparatus and via a low-noise amplifier positionedat the base of the tower; and sending the at least onesecond-spectral-region signal from the multiplexing apparatus to arespective receiver in at least one second-band base transceiver stationvia a respective band pass filter in the multiplexing apparatus.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, wherein sending the at least onesecond-spectral-region signal from the multiplexing apparatus to arespective receiver in at least one second-band base transceiver stationcomprises: sending at least two second-spectral-region signals in atleast two respective portions of the second spectral region from themultiplexing apparatus to respective receivers in at least twosecond-band base transceiver stations, the method further comprising:receiving a first-spectral-region signal in the first spectral regionfrom a transmitter in the first-band base transceiver station at themultiplexing apparatus; receiving at least two second-spectral-regionsignals in the at least two respective portions of the second spectralregion from at least two respective transmitters in the at least twosecond transceiver base stations at the multiplexing apparatus;combining the received signal in the first spectral region with thereceived at least two signals in the respective at least two portions ofthe second spectral region at the multiplexing apparatus; and sendingthe combined signal from the multiplexing apparatus via the radiofrequency cable.
 13. The method of claim 12, the method furthercomprising: receiving the combined signal from the multiplexingapparatus at a multiplexer via the radio frequency cable; splitting thecombined signal into a plurality of signals at the multiplexer; sendingthe first-spectral-region signal from the multiplexer to a firstantenna; sending the at least two second-spectral-region signals fromthe multiplexer to at least two other antennae, respectively;transmitting first-spectral-region signal from the first antennaresponsive to receiving the first-spectral-region signal from themultiplexer; and transmitting the at least two second-spectral-regionsignals from the respective at least two other antennae responsive toreceiving the signals in the portions of the second spectral region fromthe multiplexer.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein sending the atleast one second-spectral-region signal from the multiplexing apparatusto the respective receiver in the at least one second-band basetransceiver station via the respective band pass filter in themultiplexing apparatus comprises: sending a second-spectral-regionsignal from the multiplexing apparatus to the receiver in thesecond-band base transceiver station via the respective band pass filterin the multiplexing apparatus, and wherein the multiplexing apparatus isa diplexing apparatus, the method further comprising receiving afirst-spectral-region signal from a transmitter in the first-band basetransceiver station at the diplexing apparatus; receiving thesecond-spectral-region signal from the transmitter in the secondtransceiver base station at the diplexing apparatus; combining thereceived first-spectral-region signal and second-spectral-region signalat the diplexing apparatus; and sending the combined signal from thediplexing apparatus via the radio frequency cable.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, the method further comprising: receiving the combined signalfrom the diplexing apparatus at a diplexer via the radio frequencycable; splitting the combined signal into two signals at the diplexer;sending the first-spectral-region signal from the diplexer to a firstantenna; sending the second-spectral-region signal from the diplexer toa second antenna; transmitting first-spectral-region signal from thefirst antenna responsive to receiving the signal in the first spectralregion from the diplexer; and transmitting the second-spectral-regionsignal from the second antenna responsive to receiving thesecond-spectral-region signal from the diplexer.
 16. A system fortransceiving radio frequency signals, the system comprising: a firstantenna at a top of a tower, the first antenna configured to receive andtransmit signals in a first spectral region; at least one other antennaat the top of the tower, the at least one other antenna configured toreceive and transmit signals in a second spectral region; a cablecommunicatively coupled to the first antenna and the at least one otherantenna; a multiplexing apparatus at a base of the tower andcommunicatively coupled to the first antenna and the at least one otherantenna via the cable, the multiplexing apparatus including atransmitter path, a portion of a receiver path, and a transceiver pathportion; and a low noise amplifier at the base of the tower, the lownoise amplifier operable to amplify signals in the first spectralregion, the low noise amplifier communicatively coupled to themultiplexing apparatus, wherein the multiplexing apparatus is configuredto pass signals in the first spectral region between the cable and afirst-band base transceiver station via the low noise amplifier, andwherein the multiplexing apparatus is further configured to pass signalsin the second spectral region between the cable and at least onesecond-band base transceiver station.
 17. The system of claim 16,wherein the multiplexing apparatus includes: a band pass filter portionincluding at least one band pass filter communicatively coupled betweenthe cable and the at least one second-band base transceiver station; afirst receiver filter communicatively coupled between the cable and thelow noise amplifier; and a transmitter filter communicatively coupledbetween the cable and the first-band base transceiver station, whereinthe system further comprises a second receiver filter, wherein thetransmitter filter is configured to pass signals in the first spectralregion from the first-band base transceiver station to the cable,wherein the first receiver filter is configured to pass signals in thefirst spectral region from the cable to the first-band base transceiverstation via the low noise amplifier and the second receiver filter,wherein each filter in the band pass filter portion is configured tofilter and pass signals in respective portions of the second spectralregion between the cable and a respective one of the at least onesecond-band base transceiver station.
 18. The system of claim 17,wherein the transmitter path and the receiver path are between the cableand the first-band base transceiver station, wherein the transmitterpath comprises the transmitter filter operably positioned between thecable and the first-band base transceiver station, and wherein thereceiver path comprises the first receiver filter, the low noiseamplifier, and the second receiver filter.
 19. The system of claim 17,wherein the low noise amplifier is communicatively coupled between thefirst and second receiver filters.
 20. The system of claim 17, whereinat least one band pass filter in the band pass filter portion is aninline cavity filter.
 21. The system of claim 17, wherein themultiplexing apparatus is a diplexing apparatus, wherein the transceiverpath portion comprises a single transceiver path, wherein thetransceiver path comprises a band pass filter positioned between thecable and a respective second-band base transceiver station, thetransceiver path operable to transmit and receive signals in the secondspectral region.
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the at least oneother antenna is a second antenna, the system further comprising: adiplexer to communicatively couple the cable to the first antenna andthe second antenna.
 23. The system of claim 17, wherein the transceiverpath portion comprises at least two transceiver paths for transmittingand receiving signals in respective at least two portions of the secondspectral region, wherein each of the at least two transceiver pathscomprises a respective band pass filter in the band pass filter portionpositioned between the cable and a respective one of the at least onesecond-band base transceiver station, each second-band base transceiverstation configured to transceive signals in a respective portion of thesecond spectral region.
 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the at leastone other antenna is at least two other antennae, wherein each of theother antennae is configured to receive and transmit signals in arespective portion of the second spectral region, the system furthercomprising: a multiplexer to communicatively couple the cable to thefirst antenna and the at least two other antennae.
 25. The system ofclaim 16, wherein the low noise amplifier is a ground mounted amplifier.